Cultural Center in Glendale Heights

"Play and learning are bridged together at this museum, where kids can: tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking — qualities that are inherent to childhood — excavate dinosaur bones, explore the way water moves through pulleys and pipes, pretend to fight fires, and discover how our skyline full of buildings is created through architecture and engineering."

"There are plenty of other attractions from Navy Pier included on this list, but we would be remiss if we didn’t include the Ferris Wheel. At 200-feet high, the Centennial Wheel offers 360-degree views and enclosed gondolas, making it a child favorite no matter the season. A post shared by Ri na Estrada (@_rinaestrada) on Oct 13, 2016 at 4:21pm PDT"

"Probably the most iconic part of Navy Pier is the Centennial Wheel, a large ferris wheel. It’s open year round, weather permitting. Towards the end of the pier, you can also get a really good view of the city. It also holds several free events from time to time, so make sure to check the calendar before you go."

"Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art in Chicago is a non-profit with a mission to share the work of outsiders. The center defines an outsider in the art world as "the work of artists who demonstrate little influence from the mainstream art world, and who instead are motivated by their unique personal vision." Since its inception in 1991, Intuit has become a leader in the field of promoting outsider and intuitive art. The museum's permanent collection, which they began amassing in 2002, has come to include more than 1,1000 works of art."

"Now open This unique museum, dedicated to work by self-taught artists, has reopened to the public. Intuit has taken several new precautions, including directional signage, reduced touch points, and enhanced sanitation. They’ve even re-installed their exhibition Outsider Art: The Collection of Victor F. Keen to increase spacing and allow more distancing."

"This is a term coined by its founders to describe art created by self-taught artists or those without any formal training. The focus here is on artists who for any number of reasons exist outside of mainstream art. The permanent collection features artists including Minnie Evans, Miles Carpenter, and William Hawkins."

"The Poetry Foundation Library is another attraction that you can’t find anywhere else in Illinois. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find it anywhere else in the US. There are only a handful of poetry libraries in the entire world, but the good news is that the Chicago version is one of the best."

"Chicago's Poetry Foundation is all about the study of poetry. It was the first place in the city of Chicago to focus only on poetry as an art form, which was the dream of Poetry magazine's Harriet Monroe. The foundation's goal is to heighten public and cultural interest in poetry."

"We love this sophisticated home of Poetry magazine for its underplayed elegance and hushed presence among bustling River North. It’s not shouting, “Look at me!. ” in any way or trying to be the biggest or tallest; it’s just quietly doing its job."

"Located on the lakefront just south of Jackson Park, this park has 65 acres of green space and is home to the South Shore Cultural Center, originally built in 1095 as a country club. Today, the center is a historic landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District and offers a large variety of cultural programs, including classes for all ages in culinary arts, music, dance, and visual arts, as well as special events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the center includes a golf course, acres of green grass dotted with shade trees, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary."

"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."

"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."

"Forget a Tiffany necklace, this massive stained-glass masterpiece at the Chicago Cultural Center is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence."

"This museum and memorial tells the story of Khmer Rouge and the Killing Field through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Guided tours are available so you can learn more about what happened during the Cambodian Civil War. Hours are subject to change, so they advise that you call prior to visiting (773-878-7090)."

"Andros Taverna is the answer for customers who wonder “what if Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises opened another Greek restaurant?. ” Co-owner Doug Psaltis, a veteran chef who abruptly left Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, was the mastermind behind LEYE’s RPM series of restaurants, and has teamed up with the owners of popular Lincoln Park haunt Gemini. The dining room and bar are lively, and there’s a $22 plate of gyros for those who want to get decadent."

"Contemporary Greek fare from a former Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises vet has arrived in Logan Square. Doug Psaltis, who was a partner in LEYE’s RPM restaurants, and wife Hsing Chen have modeled their spot after traditional Greek taverns and built the menu around a wood-burning grill. Brunch offerings include tsoureki French toast, strapatsatha (Greek scrambled eggs), baked feta and eggs, and a collection of can’t-miss pastries from Chen."

"Recover from your late night at the adjacent Empty Bottle with Bite Cafe's eclectic brunch menu and bright, naturally lit dining room. You'll be feeling ready to take on the day in no time."

"Many of Chicago’s most historic buildings are located in the loop. The Willis Tower was the world’s tallest building until 1998. Including the antenna, it is 1,730 feet tall."

"The Arts Club of Chicago is an art museum with public exhibitions and private tours. The club's first floors are open to the public at no admission cost; private tours of the permanent collection can be arranged. The Arts Club, which opened in 1916, was home to the first United States showing of Pablo Picasso's work."

"DuSable Museum of African American History is not only a site that houses valuable artifacts of African-American history, but the building itself is a structure of historical importance. Architect Daniel H Burnham had originally constructed the structure as horse stables, but the beautiful timber and limestone structure from the 19th century houses one of the best-curated museums today. Teenagers and preteens will be able to appreciate the art exhibitions and poetry reading sessions that capture the African-American experience."

"It was very informative with regards to the black soldiers during the war & their contributions. The DuSable Museum has jazz in the park and there was plenty of jazz lover’s there. The bands were fantastic and the weather was great."

"Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!. Tags:adler planetariumart institute of chicagoBrookfield ZooChicago Botanic GardenChicago Children’s Museumchicago history museumClarke House MuseumDePaul Art MuseumDuSable Museum of African American Historylincoln park zooLoyola University Museum of Artmuseum of contemporary artMuseum of Science and IndustryNational Museum of Mexican ArtNational Veterans Art Museumshedd aquariumSmart Museum of ArtThe Field MuseumThe Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum"

"Founded in 1974, the Smart Museum of Art is part of the University of Chicago and is home to acclaimed special exhibitions and a permanent collection that spans five thousand years of artistic creation."